Can You Pick Up or Drop Off Passengers While Waiting at a Traffic Light?
3 Answers
It is not allowed to stop and pick up or drop off passengers at intersections with traffic lights. Reason: Whether there are traffic lights or not, stopping to pick up or drop off passengers is considered illegal. This is because stopping within 50 meters of an intersection is prohibited for such purposes. Precautions: When stopping at a red light, if your vehicle is the first in line, it is advisable to maintain a slightly larger distance from the stop line. This ensures you do not run the red light and provides enough space to start moving when the light turns green. If there are already many vehicles waiting in line, try to keep a sufficient distance from the vehicle in front. This ensures safety (preventing the vehicle in front from rolling back) and allows enough time and distance to observe the movement of the vehicles ahead, ensuring a smooth start.
Having driven for over a decade, experience tells me never to pick up or drop off passengers at red lights—it's far too dangerous. Think about it: intersections are busy and unpredictable. Suddenly opening doors could hit pedestrians or cyclists, and if someone rear-ends you, it’s instant harm to everyone. I recall a colleague last year who stopped briefly at an intersection for passenger exchange—ended up fined and causing a minor accident. Most traffic rules prohibit stopping to pick up/drop off at crossings precisely to ensure smooth flow and safety. If you’re in a hurry, find a roadside parking spot or mall entrance in advance—far safer and more reliable. Cultivate the habit of only operating in designated areas; road order relies on everyone’s collective effort.
As an urban commuter who drives to work every day, I strongly advise against picking up or dropping off passengers at traffic lights. Intersections are chaotic, and a moment of inattention can lead to lane blockages or minor collisions. Once, in a hurry, I attempted this and nearly hit a pedestrian with my car door, which gave me quite a scare. Legally, most cities penalize such behavior as it disrupts traffic flow efficiency. It's best to plan drop-offs near bus stops or safety islands, saving time and avoiding risks. Modern technology, like navigation apps, can help locate nearby parking spots—planning ahead minimizes hassle. Road safety is no trivial matter; small actions matter in protecting yourself and respecting others.
